Professional Development: Understanding Text-Dependent Questions

Overview: Understanding Text-Dependent Questions is a 1-4 hour module designed to promote understanding of how text-dependent questions support the key shifts required by the Common Core State Standards for ELA/Literacy

How to Get Started: You are encouraged to customize any or all portions of this module to meet the needs of your audience if you are facilitating this module for professional development. Be sure to read the User's Guide first! You can find it below the PowerPoint presentation.

The User's Guide is a detailed guide for you, the self learner and/or facilitator. The guide includes a summary of the contents of the module, followed by suggestions for using the module—whether you have 1 hour or 4 hours. There is a summary of each of the activities and full references/links for all papers, videos, and other web resources.

You can download all components of this module by clicking "Download All" on the left. You can also scroll down to learn more about the different approaches to using this professional development, and to preview the components of individual activities.

After completing this module, you are encouraged to engage with the key shifts required by the CCSSM through the iTunes U Courses, created by teachers for teachers.

PowerPoint Presentation

The presentation describes the key shifts in ELA/Literacy briefly and the dives deeply into the role of text-dependent questions in support of these key shifts, particularly the shift toward reading and writing grounded in evidential text. Please allow additional time for questions and discussion during and after the presentation. To view the additional notes that go with each slide, download the full PowerPoint.

User's Guide: Be Sure To Read This First!

If you have 1 hour...

Show the Core Video

Share the Power Point presentation

Assign Handouts as a take home activity (On Your Own)

Utilize remaining module components (Hands-On Activity, Discussion Topics, Related Reading, Additional Videos) as time permits throughout the year (i.e.: in professional learning communities)

If you have 2 hours...

Show the Core Video

Share the Power Point presentation

Lead the Hands-On Activity

Utilize remaining module components (Discussion Topics, Related Reading, Additional Videos) as time permits throughout the year (i.e.: in professional learning communities)

If you have 4 hours...

Show the Core Video

Share the Power Point presentation

Lead the Hands-On Activity (2 hour version) + a conversation around the Discussion Topics

Utilize remaining module components (Additional Videos, Related Reading) as time permits throughout the year (i.e.: in professional learning communities)

All times are suggested and can be expanded to incorporate more discussion as needed. Any portions of this module may be modified, reproduced and disseminated without prior permission.

Video on Text-Based Answers

Activity: Creating and Evaluating Text-Dependent Questions

You will read an appropriately complex text for a particular grade level, working individually or with colleagues to evaluate, create, or modify a sequence of questions and tasks for the text, using two handouts: the Guide to Creating Text-Dependent Questions and the Checklist for Evaluating Question Quality.

Directions

Creating and Evaluating Text-Dependent Questions

Evaluating and Modifying Text-Dependent Questions

Materials

Guide to Creating Text-Dependent Questions

Checklist for Evaluating Question Quality

Extension Activity

Discussion Topics

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